I photographed this duck by the Yarra River at Warrandyte some years ago - have never been able to identify it. Doesn't look quite right for a Garganey or a Freckled Duck - but I'm a bit of a beginner. I'd greatly appreciate a more knowledgeable opinion.
Mallard, female.
Thanks Zosterops.... I'll know next time!!! FrankB
Hello Frank;
This Mallard looks like it has some feral ( barnyard duck ) influences. It is way too heavyset for a purebred Mallard, and the neck is very thick too. Its bill is also too big. Many of the Mallards in Australia are of some percent feral ducks; not many at all are fully purebred.
Logan
Another thing - purebred Mallards are much slimmer than your bird, and look more like Pacific Black Ducks, which they are closer related to.
Have a great week;
Logan
Fair point I think it's safe to say this is an ex domestic breed or at least with domestic influence... as are most Mallards I've encountered.
I take 'feral' to mean introduced and could equally apply to pure Mallards imo